New gender-based funding for apprenticeship employers welcomed in Carlow
Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow, Jennifer Murnane O’Conor has welcomed a new gender-based bursary for apprenticeship employers which is worth €2,666 and is available to employers who employ apprentices on any national apprenticeship programme with greater than 80% representation of a single gender.
Deputy Murnane O’Connor commented:
“We need to continue to open up apprenticeship opportunities for learners of all backgrounds; this new incentive is extremely welcome.
“According to recent figures, only 1,500 or 6% of apprentices in Ireland are women at present. In certain fields like engineering and construction that can be even lower.
“The hope is that there is a strong take up of the bursary among employers, with increased diversity benefiting our modern, 21st century industries.”
The new gender-based bursary is being implemented with effect from January 1 2022. It covers all new apprentice registrations from that date on eligible national apprenticeship programmes.
The bursary to eligible employers will be paid in two installments. €1,333 is payable following completion of 6 months training by the apprentice. The second payment of €1,333 is payable following completion of 18 months training by the apprentice.
The gender-based bursary is being introduced as part of the national Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025.